Italian Citizenship: deadline extended for acquisition by law benefit for minors born after May 24, 2025

The recent approval of the 2026 Budget Law confirms a regulatory framework that continues to provoke strong reactions among Italian communities abroad. Parliament has indeed chosen to maintain a differentiated treatment between minors born before and after May 24, 2025, the date on which Law No. 74/2025 came into effect, significantly affecting the pathways for recognition of Italian citizenship.

According to the final text approved by the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate on December 30, 2026, the exemption from the consular fee of €250 and the extension of the deadline to 36 months for acquiring citizenship by law benefit apply exclusively to children of Italian citizens born abroad from that date onward. Minors born earlier remain subject to the rules and costs set by the previous regime, as modified by Law No. 74/2025.

Attempted amendment and parliamentary veto

During the examination in Committee, there were attempts to expand the scope of beneficiaries. In particular, a proposal aimed to grant the same benefits to minors born before May 24, 2025, thus avoiding a disparity of treatment based solely on the date of birth. However, the amendment did not pass parliamentary scrutiny, leaving the original framework of the law unchanged.

Reactions and future prospects

The exclusion of those born before May 24, 2025, has reignited the debate on the right to Italian citizenship jure sanguinis, a central issue for thousands of descendants seeking not only recognition of their status civitatis but also the Italian passport, an essential tool for mobility and European integration.

In light of widespread discontent, the possibility of a new legislative intervention through the traditional “Milleproroghe” decree, scheduled for early 2026, remains open. The proposal under consideration would introduce an amendment extending both the exemption and deadlines to minors currently excluded from the reform.

At the same time, anticipation is growing for the Constitutional Court’s ruling on the so-called “Tajani Law.” The hearing set for March 11, 2026, could prove decisive: a possible declaration of unconstitutionality would reinstate the previous system, which did not impose strict generational limits for the recognition of Italian citizenship by descent.

In this still uncertain context, affected families remain in a state of waiting for legislative and judicial developments that could ensure greater fairness and clarity regarding citizenship.

Your Way to Italy: our assistance

Our team is available to provide support and assistance regarding italian citizenship and immigration law! Contact us to schedule your first consultation! #Yourwaytoitaly

The content of this article is intended to provide general information on the topic. For doubts or specific cases, it is advisable to seek specialized legal advice tailored to your particular situation.

Article written by Alessia Ajelli, Managing Associate of LCA Studio Legale, Italian lawyer specialized on Italian immigration and citizenship law, and Paolo Grassi, Trainee of LCA Studio Legale